Houston Baptist University Catalog

Biology (BIOL) Course Descriptions

BIOL 1404 Introductory BiologyThis course is a general survey of biology including the study of plants, animals, ecology, and some marine biology. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions. This course cannot be applied toward a biology major.

BIOL 1414 Introductory MicrobiologyA general introduction of microbiology with emphasis placed on public health. Various disease-causing agents are discussed. Procedures used in disinfection and sterilization are demonstrated with consideration given to infection control. Includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions. This course cannot be counted for credit toward biology major.

BIOL 2181, 2281, 2381, 2481 Special TopicsTopics are selected based on student needs and the academic qualifications of staff.

BIOL 2214 Medical TerminologyThis course provides the student a comprehensive study of medical terminology including word roots, combining forms, prefixes and suffixes. Students build and analyze thousands of medical terms and in the process study the structure and functions of human body systems and diseases. This course cannot be counted for credit toward the biology major.

BIOL 2181, 2281, 2381, 2481 Special TopicsTopics are selected based on student needs and the academic qualifications of staff.

BIOL 2181, 2281, 2381, 2481 Special TopicsTopics are selected based on student needs and the academic qualifications of staff.

BIOL 2404 Human Anatomy and Physiology IThe course deals with the anatomical description and functions of the systems of the human body. Emphasis is placed upon the interrelationship between structure and function with maintenance and homeostasis being the unifying principle. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 2414 Human Anatomy and Physiology IIPrerequisite: BIOL 2404The course deals with the anatomical description and functions of the systems of the human body. Emphasis is placed upon the interrelationship between structure and function with maintenance and homeostasis being the unifying principle. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 2454 General Biology IPrerequisite: SAT composite 1040 or ACT composite 22 or 12 hrs college courseworkThis course is required of all biology majors. Topics include cell structure and function, biological diversity, plant biology, and ecology. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 2455 General Biology IIPrerequisite: BIOL 2454This course is required of all biology majors. Topics include animal tissues and organ systems, animal structure and function, life processes, biological diversity and the theory of evolution. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 2181, 2281, 2381, 2481 Special TopicsTopics are selected based on student needs and the academic qualifications of staff.

BIOL 3335 Nutrition and MetabolismPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 3301 and either BIOL 2455 or BIOL 2404, 2414Nutrition and Metabolism is designed to acquaint the student with the role of nutrients in health, the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, and the importance of nutrition in preventive and curative medicine.

BIOL 3404 Environmental ScienceThis course is a study of the interrelationships of the natural world and the interactions or organisms with their environment. Analysis of populations, both natural and human, in their communities and the impact of the physical factors will be explored. Current environmental issues will also be discussed. Sampling techniques and field studies will be emphasized. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions. This course cannot be counted for credit toward the biology major.

BIOL 3414 MicrobiologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301This course is a general survey of the microorganisms and includes the morphology, physiology, and control of the organisms most important to humans. The microbiology of soil, food, water, and disease will be considered. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions. (Also offered as BCMB 3414.)

BIOL 3433 PathophysiologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2404, 2414 or BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301A general study of structure and function of human cells including the basic cellular requirements for life. The importance of fluid distribution, fluid volume and fluid balance along with abnormal deviations will be covered. The student will obtain an understanding of the pathology of the cardiovascular system, nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, excretory system, and musculo-skeletal system. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 3434 Ecology and Field BiologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 3301 and BIOL 2455 or BIOL 2404, 2414This course studies ecological concepts concerning ecosystems from a population, interspecific and community perspective. Sampling techniques and field studies will be emphasized. Analysis of populations in their communities will be explored. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 3444 GeneticsPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 3301, and BIOL 2455 or BIOL 2404, 2414This course deals with the molecular and chromosomal basis of inheritance. Topics include Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, population genetics, and molecular genetics. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 3454 General PhysiologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301. This course deals with the function of selected organ systems in vertebrates with the major emphasis on humans. Mechanisms of kidney function, circulation, respiration, nerve transmission, muscular contraction, endocrine function, and digestion are discussed in detail. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 3456 Advanced Human AnatomyPrerequisite: BIOL 2455, 3301This is an advanced study of the anatomical structure of the human body. Body structure will be studied by organ systems and will involve a balance between gross anatomical study and histology. Form-function relationships will be emphasized. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 4181, 4281, 4381, 4481 Special TopicsPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301Topics are selected on basis of students¿ needs and academic qualifications of staff. This will include such topics as advanced physiology, diet, diseases, cellular physiology, cancer biology, biotechniques, cytogenetics, pharmacology, etc. Laboratory may or may not be included. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

Biol 4272, Integrating the Concepts in BiologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301, 3414, and 3444This course will integrate the knowledge, theories, and skills expected of a biologist. Topics will encompass and reinforce the material found in the courses of the Biology Core.

BIOL 4181, 4281, 4381, 4481 Special TopicsPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301Topics are selected on basis of students¿ needs and academic qualifications of staff. This will include such topics as advanced physiology, diet, diseases, cellular physiology, cancer biology, biotechniques, cytogenetics, pharmacology, etc. Laboratory may or may not be included. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

BIOL 4292 Senior Seminar: Laboratory Research ProjectPrerequisites: Note 9 under Undergraduate Degree Requirements; completion or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 4290One quarter of laboratory research (4292) is required for a student majoring in two areas of science. The execution of the research will emphasize the application of the fundamentals presented in 4290. At the conclusion of the research, a written paper will be presented to the student¿s seminar advisor and an oral presentation of the results will be presented. Attendance is required.

BIOL 4297 Research in BiologyPrerequisite: BIOL 3414, 3444Laboratory research is offered for a student majoring in Biology. At the conclusion of the research, a written paper will be presented to the student's seminar advisor and an oral presentation of the results will be presented.

BIOL 4325 EndocrinologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301This course provides students with a working knowledge of endocrinology. Topics include the historical development of endocrinology; structure and function of the major hormone groups; models for cell signaling; how hormones influence metabolism; and diseases caused by abnormalities of the endocrine system.

BIOL 4363 Medical MicrobiologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301, and 3414A study of microbial organisms that cause disease in humans. The characteristics of each pathogen are discussed along with its pathogenesis and pathology. (Also offered as BCMB 4363.)

BIOL 4181, 4281, 4381, 4481 Special TopicsPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301Topics are selected on basis of students¿ needs and academic qualifications of staff. This will include such topics as advanced physiology, diet, diseases, cellular physiology, cancer biology, biotechniques, cytogenetics, pharmacology, etc. Laboratory may or may not be included. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

BIOL 4423 HistologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301A study of the fine structure of normal human tissue is the principle area of consideration in this course. Tissue techniques will be included in order to afford an appreciation of the types of preparations used in the laboratory. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 4425 Drug ActionPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301This course presents the basic concepts and principles of pharmacology as related to the anatomy and physiology of certain body systems. Specific topics include principles of drug receptors; pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics; the actions of cholinoceptor-activating, cholinesterase-blocking, and cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs; adrenoceptor-activating and adrenoceptor-blocking drugs; and antihypertensive, antidepressant, and chemotherapeutic drugs. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 4433 EmbryologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301This is a study of the normally developing human from conception through birth. Common congenital defects are briefly discussed. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 4443 NeurosciencePrerequisites: BIOL 2473, 2474, and 2475This course surveys the organization and functioning of the human nervous system. Action potentials and synaptic transmissions are emphasized. Sensory systems and movement are also considered along with new models that illustrate the function of memory systems. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory sessions.

BIOL 4444 VirologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301, and 3444This course is an introduction to the principles of animal virology. The classification and replicative cycles of viruses are compared to their pathogenic mechanisms. Viral oncogenes and modern anti-viral chemotherapy and immunization are discussed. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory. (Also offered as BCMB 4444.)

BIOL 4464 ImmunologyPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301, and 3444This course is an introductory study of the biological and clinical approaches to immunology. Discussions center on the mechanisms responsible for various clinical syndromes as well as basic immunological phenomena such as antibody diversity, T cell receptor diversity, antigen presentation, signaling across cellular receptors, and cell activation. This course includes one semester hour credit for laboratory. (Also offered as BCMB 4464.)

BIOL 4181, 4281, 4381, 4481 Special TopicsPrerequisites: BIOL 2454, 2455, and 3301Topics are selected on basis of students¿ needs and academic qualifications of staff. This will include such topics as advanced physiology, diet, diseases, cellular physiology, cancer biology, biotechniques, cytogenetics, pharmacology, etc. Laboratory may or may not be included. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.